To run a search and indexing troubleshooter

There are several ways to perform a search. One way is to type in the search box at the top of any open window or in the search box on the Start menu. When you start typing, the search begins automatically.

If you can't find a file, you can expand your search to include different locations. For example, if you're searching for a file in the Documents library, but you're not sure where the file is stored, you can search across all of your libraries or your entire computer. Here's how:

Click the Start button , and then click Documents.

In the search box at the top of the open window, start typing.

Scroll to the bottom of the list of search results. Under Search again in, do one of the following:

Click Libraries to search across every library.

Click Computer to search across your entire computer. (This way you can search for files that aren't indexed, such as system or program files, but remember that the search will be slower.)

Windows uses the index to perform very fast searches of the most common types of files on your computer. Instead of looking through your entire hard disk for a file name or property, Windows scans the index.

It means that the location you're searching isn't indexed. Normally, you get search results quickly because the search includes only the locations on your computer that are indexed. If you change the locations that are being searched, or if you open a folder that's not in the index and search there, the search will take longer. Searches outside of the index only look for files by file name, but index searches also look for file contents and an assortment of file properties. If you frequently see this message when searching a specific location on your computer, you should add that location to the index. For more information, see Improve Windows searches using the index: frequently asked questions.

It means that the files are still being indexed. To perform fast and accurate searches, Windows collects information about files on your computer. This information is stored in the index. Periodically, Windows needs to update the index. If you perform a search while the index is being updated, the results might be out of date.

There's a problem searching one or more of your selected locations. Usually that's because you've selected a network location or a device that's not currently connected to your computer. It's also possible that you've selected a removable media device with no media (such as a memory card or a CD) in the device. Check your locations, and then try the search again.

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